PHOTOS: Rainbows On The Footy Field For Second AFL Pride Game

The Sydney Swans beat the St Kilda Saints 101 to 59 during the AFL’s second annual Pride Game at the SCG on Saturday night.

More than 30,000 people packed the venue to see the 50 metre line painted in rainbow, goal umpires waving rainbow flags and players from both teams wearing rainbow socks and guernseys for the game.

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Fans waved rainbow flags and signs from the stands during the pride match, which is an AFL initiative that began last year to fight homophobia and promote inclusion in sport.

St Kilda Football Club chief executive Matt Finnis said last week the club was thrilled that LGBTI people at last year’s inaugural pride game had reported feeling more welcome.

“We’re committed to creating an environment at AFL matches where the LGBTI community feel safe in attending, feel free to be themselves and ultimately feel a sense of belonging,” he said.

Since last year’s pride game more than half a dozen LGBTI groups supporting AFL teams have emerged, including the Rainbow Crows, the Rainbow Swans, the Purple Bombers, the Ruby Demons, the Blue Roos, and the Pink Magpies.